Despite being the most hyped movie of the summer, The Dark Knight was AMAZING!!!!! Yes, I said AMAZING!!!!! So, even though there are already a bunch of top 10 lists out there in regard to The Dark Knight, I will add mine to the mix…
1. Heath Ledger as the Joker
In playing the Joker, Heath Ledger was able to do something very unique – he was both funny and disturbing, even at the same time. It’s hard to explain, but in some scenes you laugh at him because he’s crazy and just weird but at the same time you’re disturbed that he this one man can cause so much damage just my rallying together the criminals.
2. Amazing action sequences
It’s not uncommon for movies these days to have amazing action sequences, but somehow both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight managed to fit in exhilarating chase sequences. And the one in The Dark Knight far surpasses the original. One word: Bat-moto-bicycle-tank-pod-thingy.
3. Great supporting actors
Michael Caine and Morgan Freedman in particular are great supporting actors who continue their strong roles from the first movie.
4. It doesn’t seem rushed
Yes, it’s 2 and a half hours long. But so much happens. But it doesn’t seem rushed. Somehow, the pacing is exactly right. There are no dull parts, but it’s not all violence either. It’s just the right amount of everything.
5. Works as a summer blockbuster
Of course, it’s a Batman movie, it’s going to be a big summer blockbuster. And in that way it works very well. People just going to have a good (although dark) time will be satisfied but it also has so much more than that, like…
6. Engaging philosophy
Even while all of the action is happening you still have so much to think about. You try to understand the Joker, and Bruce Wayne considers what exactly Batman is and should be to Gotham city. It has so much more than just the basic movie plot – there’s so much more themes and philosophies built-in to it.
7. Works as a serious movie
The philosophy and even just overall dark material in this movie makes it so much more than just a regular superhero movie. I’ve heard people calling this a crime drama that’s up there with The Departed. I’m not an expert on the genre, but it certainly works as that kind of movie too.
8. It’s funny
Despite being probably the darkest superhero movie ever, it manages to be funny. And not inappropriately. Whether you’re laughing at the crazy Joker or some ironic instance, the movie still entertains.
9. A great soundtrack
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard continue to do terrific job with the music for his Batman franchise. One addition that I liked to this movie was the Joker’s theme and also the music that accompanied any scenes where the situation was descending into chaos (and there were many.) A crazy, shrieking strings ensemble played which just fit so well and added to the scene.
10. The descent into chaos
Accompanied by the music, Gotham’s descent into chaos is fascinating to watch, thanks to the Joker’s master plan. It’s creepy and also so much more real and relateable to real life because The Dark Knight is more based in reality than any other superhero movie.
Official Website | IMDb | Wikipedia | Rotten Tomatoes (94%) | Apple Trailers
My new favorite movie. I can’t get over how amazing it is. I could watch this movie for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. Heath Ledger plays the best character I have ever seen in a movie, he is funny and weird and crazy and scary all together. Every scene with the Joker is my favorite scene, specially where he is dressed as a nurse in the hospital and when he’s asking for his phone call-ahhh genius acting. Anywho, thanks for writing this blog, it’s good.